ECG-P12R

The ECG-P12R is a pair of assembled and tested boards. The boards are the P12R controller and a P12x Panel board. The boards are split into two functions to allow flexibility in packaging and to allow the P12x Panel board to be made with 3oz copper to deliver the higher amperage needed to distribute power across multiple strings.

The ECG-P12R controller is a 10/100base-T Ethernet based unit. It uses the top of the line 80MHz PIC32MX795F512L processor with 512KB of flash and 128KB of RAM. There is an additional 2MB external SPI flash chip that is used for configuration and can be used for web storage and possibly sequence storage for future expansion under software control. The ECG-P12R is programmed with our own TFTP based bootloader and the application firmware can be field upgraded via the Ethernet connection without the need of a PIC programmer. In the event of the need to replace the bootloader we are completing a bootupdater module and/or the bootloader can be updated using a PICKit 3 or better. Currently we have been unable to configure a PICkit 2 to program this chip properly.

The ECG-P12R is designed to provide the digitial level signals for 12 different pixel strings using serial pixel protocols (SPI and Manchester Encoded). The software controls the round robin sharing of three dedicated SPI channels. Each channel is responsible for serving one group of four strings.

The ECG-P12x Panel includes two separate power buses with bus fuse protection and individual string fuse protection. Each bus is supplied power via high current screw terminals and the strings are provided power and signal through a pluggable terminal strip for each string.

For sequencer Ethernet connectivity the software supports the E1.31 protocol and, for legacy support, the ArtNet II protocol. Pixel string protocols are implemented in software. Initial support of WS2801, LPD6803, and TM180x is fully functional. Additional protocols can be implemented as demand warrants and time allows.

The software allows for configuration, on a string by string basis, of the string protocol and SPI or ME clock speed to match the users needs. Current string protocols are totally independent. Possible future protocols may require grouping that specific protocol in groups of four.

There is a set of configurable controller effects (null pixels, reverse string, RGB translation, pixel grouping) and more will be added in future updates.

All configuration is done via HTML pages and an optional simpleXML configuration screen is under development to allow for rapid configuration and/or backup and restore of a configuration.

Currently each string is limited to the contents of up to a single universe (170 pixels). Bridging of universes for longer pixel strings is planned for a near future update.

The independent power buses on the ECG-PIXAD8 allow for 5VDC, 12VDC, or other higher DC power (PPX-40) to be isolated. The power supplied to Group 2 (Strings 7-12) can be routed to supply power for the processor board. A pluggable terminal strip on the rear of the controller allows for connection to a 5VDC supply, connection to a 7-36VDC -> 5VDC switching power supply for a 12VDC or higher supply, or isolation from the power bus to allow 5VDC power to be supplied directly to the P12R. No power supplies are provided with the units but we could provide the same 5VDC units from the ECG-DR4 line if needed.